Louisiana Re-Opens Area South of Marsh Island to Fishing

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following re-opening to recreational and commercial fishing activities in portions of the state territorial seas south of Marsh Island in Iberia and Vermilion parishes effective immediately.

This area was originally closed on May 18, 2010 due to a confirmed report of oil on a small section of the southern shoreline of Marsh Island. Since that time, no additional oil has been reported from the area.

Territorial Seas OpeningAll state outside waters extending seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line from South Point of Marsh Island at 91 degrees 45 minutes 48 seconds west longitude westward to the eastern shore of Freshwater Bayou at 92 degrees 18 minutes 27 seconds west longitude.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the Department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.

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